Call for responsible dog owners following attack

The Wellington Council says police are investigating whether charges should be laid against the owner of two dogs who attacked a man at the weekend.

A 74 year old man remains in hospital with injuries to his chest arms and legs, after two dogs from a neighbouring property dug under a fence and attacked him on Saturday.

The council's general manager Michael Tolhurst says the dogs, a cattle dog cross and bullmastiff cross, have been put down.

Mr Tolhurst says while the dogs are not restricted breeds, council is working with police to determine whether the owner took proper precautions to secure the animals.

"It was inadequate fencing obviously in that they got under it, but if a dog wants to get out of a normal suburban fence, they're pretty clever so they can get themselves out and about but that's certainly one of the issues that we're still having a look at," he said.

He says neither of the dogs had a record of being nuisance animals with the council.

"Generally since January 2011 we've only had nine attacks involving people in the Wellington area which is actually, which is nine too many but it's not too bad considering I guess," he said.

"I think it just reiterates the issue of people and their responsibilities in relation to their pets, that they really do have to look after them and ensure that they're adequately trained."